Travel: Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix hits right note

PHOENIX — From bones pounded rhythmically on stones to Fender Stratocasters played by stadium-filling rock stars, musical instruments have shaped culture and stirred souls for millenniums.

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix has gathered one of the largest collections of instruments from around the globe and throughout history, exhibiting and explaining them using the latest audio-video technology. Since its opening in 2010, the museum has become one of the most popular visitor destinations in Phoenix.

For music lovers, it’s a place sure to make the heart sing — or maybe inspire a little ukelele strumming.

The museum, founded by former Target Corp. CEO Robert J. Ulrich, is laid out geographically and thematically.

Every continent except Antarctica (penguins not being musically inclined) is represented.

Individual exhibits showcase some of the most beloved instruments, old and new, from hundreds of countries and cultures.

The display for the African country of Niger, for example, includes a goge — an ancient, traditional bowed lute made of gourd, lizard skin, wood and leather. An electric guitar, used in the country’s contemporary pop-music scene, features metalwork incorporating native Tuareg symbols.

Most exhibits include a high-definition video screen showing short clips of instruments being played by native musicians. I was impressed by the wireless headset system, which lets each guest automatically hear the music from the closest screen. My headset flawlessly switched from one track to another as I wandered.

Some large countries are represented with multiple displays of various traditions and regions.

Exhibits about China show historical instruments, including ancient metal bells that are magnificently decorated. I was interested to learn about the ancient Chinese tradition of dividing musical instruments into eight categories of sound based on materials used in their construction.

The United States is represented with extensive displays of various musical traditions: Zydeco, blues, electronic music and bluegrass. Other exhibits explore the manufacture of contemporary instruments, such as Steinway pianos and Martin guitars.

The geographical displays also include colorful costumes associated with musical instruments and performances and worn at dances and street festivals.

Other exhibits explore the evolution and various forms of different instruments, with displays tracing their growth from rudimentary to more complex or decorative — such as how the banjo evolved from African roots to a staple of American bluegrass.

Among the many instruments given their own exhibits are accordions, harmonicas and guitars — including, delightfully, an air guitar. The case looks empty, but a label vouches for the fact that the instrument is there.

I loved a display of dozens of ukuleles, described as “among the world’s most popular and beloved instruments.” You’ll get no argument from me: I love my own and play it as often as possible.

Fortunately for my friends and family, I do not play bagpipes, but I was fascinated by a display of the instruments from around the world. I learned that bagpipes have a history that far predates their arrival in Scotland in the early 16th century; they originated in the Mediterranean region, where many forms are still played.

Musicians, too, get recognition at the museum, especially in the Artist Gallery. There, visitors will find mementos of popular contemporary musicians such as the Carter family, Savia Andina, John Lennon, Carlos Santana, Tito Puente and Jake Shimabukuro (who plays a mean ukulele).

Among the many items displayed are a black suit worn onstage by Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison’s Grammy Award for “Pretty Woman” and a baton wielded by famed conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein.

Phoenix native Alice Cooper has his own exhibit, complete with some of his outlandish stage costumes.

The Musical Instrument Museum schedules performances by professionals from every musical genre throughout the year, and — for the potentially less-professional visitors, especially the younger ones — the Experience Gallery offers instruments to bang, strum or pluck.

More serious musicians might be moved to play the Steinway Model B, which greets visitors near the museum entrance. A sign reads “MIM invites you to play this beautiful piano for the enjoyment of other guests.”

I was tempted, but I’m not much of a pianist, so I skipped the opportunity.

If only the museum had offered a ukulele.

— Steve Stephens can be reached at sstephens@dispatch.com or on Twitter @SteveStephens.

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